WELSH Grand Slam winner Brent Cockbain earns an immediate Lions chance off the bench against Manawatu today after arriving in New Zealand as replacement for banned Danny Grewcock.

Cockbain is pitched straight into the fray as he has linked up with the Lions from Australia, rather than the UK, removing any prospect of jet lag.

Scotland flanker Jason White has also been called up after Richard Hill suffered knee ligament damage in the Lions' first Test defeat.

Lions legend JPR Williams, meanwhile, believes new skipper Gareth Thomas will have a big impact for the Lions.

"I am very pleased Gareth Thomas has now come in as captain because I think he will lead from the front," said Williams.

"Brian O'Driscoll is a world class player but I don't think (his departure) made any difference to the game at all. He hasn't played all that well on tour. "Maybe it is a blessing in disguise. I am not saying we will win, but with Gareth captain we will get better."